Ronaldo's
fluctuating weight since he retired from the sport in 2011 attracted
the criticism of Sir Alex Ferguson last year, when the former Manchester
United manager branded him the 'fat, old one' in comparison to his
superfit namesake Cristiano Ronaldo.

Making a splash: Ronaldo proved he still is on athletic form as he dived off the side of the boat into the Mediterranean Sea

Seaside snack: The sports icon happily munched his way through a pack of crisps and dips while chilling in the shade

Cocktail time: The sports star cooled down with a large mojito after his dip in the ocean

Smoking hot: Ignoring his health-focused footballing training, Ronaldo lit up a cigarette as he chatted with pals

Lashing out at the insult, the sportsman said: 'A professional of his age, an English Sir, should not be so disrespectful. It was not classy.'

The usually uncompromising Ferguson later apologised for his remark, saying: 'It was a misunderstanding.

'I made a joke with a former athlete who I always admired, without any intention to offend.

'I commented
something for the two Ronaldos, Cristiano and the Phenomenon, two
extraordinary players, and made a joke to make mention of the Brazilian
Ronaldo.

He scores: The star was also joined by a bevy of bikini-clad girls on the boat

'[I] always respected him a lot on and off the field. Anyway, it was a misunderstanding - finished.'

Before his retirement, Ronaldo was often hailed as one of the greatest footballers in history and was one of only three men to have been feted with the FIFA World Player of the Year award three or more times alongside Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi.

He also scored the two winning goals in the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, cementing his place as one of his homeland's most beloved sports stars.